Method and apparatus for embalming



y 1954 R. E. sLocuQ ETAL 2,677,166

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMBALMING Filed Jan. 27, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet l177/0677 20715 B a gfl 510cm .F FE lichens gyrM WW y 4, 1954 R. E.SLOCUM ETAL 2,677,166

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMBALMING Filed Jan. 27, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 2111/1 4/1 [mil/0%,, jg'g' Hag! EJ'Zaazmv fiailerflffilckerw m nwnv May4, 1954 Filed Jan. 27, 1949 R. E. SLOCUM ETAL 2,577,166

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMBALMING 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patentecl May 4,1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMBAIMIN GApplication January 27, 1949, Serial No; 73,134

22 Claims.

This invention relates to the art of embalming and more especially tomethods and apparatus for maintaining and/or restoring the appearance ofa cadaver to as near lifelike proportions and contours as possible.

One of the more diificult problems confronting the embalmer in preparinga cadaver for final appearance is to give the exposed areas, primarilythe face and the neck, lifelike qualities either by preserving theappearance of a body which has not suffered material changes prior todeath or to restore the features of bodies which have undergonedistortion, emaciation or swelling prior to death to as near theoriginal normal condition as possible. This has been done heretoforelargely by molding the features prior to, during and after the injectionof the preservative fluid with the finger tips and with the aid of wadsof cotton and/or other wadding, such as plastic material judiciouslyplaced within the mouth to hold the lips, checks, jowls and other softparts of the face properly contoured. This, however, requires aconsiderable amount of skill which is acquired only after longexperience and in many cases is never mastered, so that the results arefrequently unsatisfactory and cause undue added distress to those mostconcerned.

Objects of this invention are primarily to minimize the tendency ofcertain types of bodies to become swollen during the arterial injectionof the preservative fluid, due in part to senile changes that make thesuperficial tissues less resistant to the entrance of the embalmingfluid than are the deep tissues, and in part to injection of thearterial solution faster than the tissue can assimilate it, or by theuse of an excessive amount of solution injected into the facial areas inan attempt to force some solution into areas that do not so readilyreceive the solution so that a superfluous amount of the solutionfollowing the course of least resistance reaches the superficial tissuesand produces swelling of the face and neck.

Another object of the invention is to prevent unanticipated excessiveflooding of the superficial tissues durin arterial injection and toprovide means for immediately controlling such excessive flooding,should it occur in these areas, as soon as they show any signs ofdistention.

Another object of the invention is to reduce distention of the temples,eyes, checks or jowls, lips or chin and the thyroid areas of the neckcaused by the presence of dropsical fluids so that when the embalminghas been completed facial distentions will have been practicallyeliminated.

Another object is to correct distention and/or unpleasant contoursproduced in bodies which have already been improperly embalmed bychanging the contours of the temples, eyes, checks or jowls, lips orchin and the thyroid areas of the neck that were not treated prior toinjection so as to restore them to their lifelike condition.

A further object is to reduce swelling due to traumatic injury ordisease wherein no attempt was made to reduce the same during arterialinjection or where the treatment has been made but was only partiallysuccessful because the extent of distortion was so great that thecorrect amount of pressure applied would have interered with securingtissue penetration of the preservative.

A still further object of the invention is to shorten the time usuallyconsumed in molding areas that have been destroyed by disease oraccident and to assist in reproducing and rebuilding areas with orwithout use of plastics and/or other moldable materials.

A still further object of this invention is to aid student embalmers inbecoming skilled in molding various portions of the face and neck tosatisfactory contours by providing molds of average or overall commoncontour which may be used as guides.

A still further object of the invention is to provide for selectivelyconducting the embalming fluid in greater or lesser quantities todifferent parts of the body, for example, to the back of the neck instout bodies wherein the neck is short and the jowls tend to sag so asto induce greater tissue fixation and hence to discourage undesirabletissue sagging that is so often embarrassing.

A still further object of the invention is to eliminate pouchy areas andwrinkling caused by low resistance of the tissue in these areas to thepassage of the embalming fluid.

A final object of the invention is to control the amount of embalmingfluid injected into the body by preventing assimilation thereof incertain areas which are more absorptive than others with accompanyingoverembalming.

In accordance with the foregoing objects, the invention in one aspectresides in a method of treating the cadaver by applying forming membersto the affected areas which have surfaces of such shape that theconverse of this surface is as nearly lifelike as possible, and securingthe form in place over the area under pressure while the embalming fluidis being injected and leaving the form in place until the fluid sets,whereupon it may be removed. By using the proper amount of pressure,swollen areas may be reduced and swelling of areas which have beendiseased and would assimilate too much fluid will be constrained so asto prevent assimilation of excessive fluid. Areas which have becomeemaciated may, moreover, be rounded out or plumped to their normalcontours by injection of the fluid in suificient amounts to force thefacial tissue into surface contact with the mold. In one aspect the fiowof fluid may be accelerated to produce a concentration of the fluid incertain parts or areas so as to impart rigidity thereto upon setting ofthe fluid and hence assisting in fixing the position of the cadaverafter it has been suitably arranged.

In another aspect control of the flow of embalming fluid is effected byselectively changing the capacity of the vascular system in a given partor area by dilating or constricting the same. Dilation is accomplishedby applying heat to the part to accelerate the fiow, while constrictionis accompilshed by applying cold thereby to retard the flow to orthrough the area. As illustrated, the heating and cooling effects areproduced by transmitting the heat or cold to the area through theforming members.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, the apparatus forshaping, molding and controlling the flow of embalming fluid into thecadaver is constituted by one or more rigid molding members, each ofwhich has a molding surface, the converse of which corresponds closelyto the normal shape of the healthy tissue. or more of such moldingmembers are applied to the part or area which is to be treated and heldin place thereagainst during the injection of the embalming fluid andwhile the latter sets, whereupon they may be removed. The rigid moldingmembers are preferably formed of a plastic material molded to shape andhave bordering areas which nondefinitively merge therewith and are ofopposite curvature so that no line of demarcation will appear on thesurface tissue after the molding operation which might be disfiguring.In conjunction with the molds to hold them in place, there are elongatehollow binding members each of which has at its opposite ends flexiblebinding cords with which it may be bound around the cadaver in theproper position embracing the forming member or members. The hollowbinding member is in the form of an elastic bag having collapsible wallsof rubber-like material, and

has a capped opening through which may be introduced a fiuid to expandthe bag, and, if desirable, to conduct heat or cold to the underlyingforming members.

In accordance with the invention, the forming members are constituted byright and left temple forms, right and left eye forms, right and leftcheek or jowl forms, right and left thyroid forms, and an upper lip andlower lip and chin form. It is to be understood, however, that forms ofappropriate shape may be employed for other parts of the head and neckand, if desirable, for other parts of the body.

The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference tothe accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a right side elevation of the head of a cadaver with theareas which are to be treated during the injection of the preservativefluid outlined in dot and dash lines indicating One the general shape ofthe forming member to be applied thereto;

Fig. 2 is a cross section of the head, looking from the top, in ahorizontal plane just above the eyes showing a forming member applied toeach eye and binding means for holding them in place;

Fig. 3 shows the head portion of a cadaver which is in a prone positionwith the head resting on a support and with several forming membersapplied to various areas and secured in place, the binding means beingshown in dot and dash lines;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal side view of the binder member, partly insection;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the right forming member which is to be appliedto the thyroid area, there being two, one for the right side and one forthe left side of the throat;

Fig. 5 is a view looking toward the left end of Fig. 5;

Fig. 5 is a section on the line Fa -5 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section taken on the line 6-5 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the right cheek forming member;

Fig. 8 is an edge view of the right cheek forming member shown in Fig.'7;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the right temple forming member;

Fig. 10 is an edge view of the right temple forming member shown in Fig.9;

Fig. 11 is plan view of the right eye forming member;

Fig. 12 is an edge view of the right eye forming member shown in Fig.11;

Fig. 13 is a plan view looking at the inside of the chin and lower lipforming member;

Fig. 14 is a section on the line [4-44 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a top view of the upper lip forming member;

Fig. 16 is an inside elevation of the upper lip forming member lookingin the direction of the arrows l6--i6 of Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a plan view of the binder member; and

Fig. 18 is a front view of the face showing the use of building materialin conjunction with a cheek forming member.

In the art of embalming, one of the most annoying and diiiicult problemsis to preserve or restore the exposed surfaces of the cadaver in or to acondition which is as near lifelike as possible. The exposed areas,however, are constituted mainly by the face and neck which have varioussoft portions which are unsupported by bone structure and hence areprone to change their shape following death, particularly if thedeceased person underwent prolonged illness of a kind which causedextreme emaciation or of a kind which caused swelling due to theaccumulation of dropsical fluids or to traumatic injuries. Such areasare illustrated in conjucntion with the illustrated head H in Fig. 1 ascomprising the temple areas T at the left and right sides of theforehead, the visual areas including the eyes E and lids at the left andright side of the nose, the cheek areas C at the left and right side ofthe face which lie between the hinge point of the jaws below the cheekbones, the upper and lower lip areas including the chin designated as L,and the thyroid areas which extend from near the back of the neckforwardly to the front of the neck indicated at N. These areas beingunsupported and being of a soft rather loose texture are prone to becomedistorted for some one of the reasons assigned above, and heretofore ithas been customary to restore these areas to their normal contour byjudicial placing of wads of cotton or other plastic material within themouth or under the skin and molding the parts with the fingers so as toimpart as lifelike an appearance as possible. This involves considerableartistic skill and experience which is frequently never mastered andoften consumes considerable time.

According to the present invention, it has been found that by followingsuitable steps during the embalming period, that is, during the arterialinjection of the embalming fluid, and by the use of suitably appliedforming members to the external surfaces of the face and neck in thevicinity of the foregoing areas, the face and neck may be preserved intheir original condition if these areas have not been unduly afflictedor may be restored to nearly their normal condition free of wrinkles andother imperfections. According to the present practice, the blood andwater are withdrawn from the vascular system of the body and theembalming fluid is arterially injected with suiiicicnt pressure toinsure the fluids reaching every part of the body, and hence insuringcomplete preservation against decay. Since, as pointed out, there arecertain areas which are soft and others that are firm, there is aconsiderable variation in the resistance of the tissue to take up orassimilate the embalming fluid, with the result that when sufficientpressure is employed to cause permeation of the firmer underlying partsof the body, there may be an undue or superfluous accumulation of fluidin the softer parts accompanied by distention which disfigures theseparts. Furthermore, an excessive use of the embalming fluid is notdesired where it is not necessary.

To overcome the disadvantages inherent in prior practice, the presentinvention contemplates controlling the flow of the embalming fluid intothe vascular system in a manner to restrict accumulation of excessivefluids in the soft areas which readily assimilate it and to allow normalfree flow through areas which are more resistant to assimilation or evento accelerate flow into resistant areas. As practiced, pressure isapplied, for example, to the temple areas T on opposite sides of thehead, while the embalming l fluid is being injected, by means of formingmembers, which will be described hereinafter, and the pressure ismaintained in these areas until the embalming fluid has been assimilatedand sets, whereupon the forming members are removed. Pressures in theorder of /2 to 1 pound are adequate and should be maintainedcontinuously throughout the injection period, In severe cases a pressureof 2 pounds may be applied, but when a heavier pressure is used itshould be let up periodically to permit observation of the part beingtreated, to determine the rate of change in the area and either topermit freer flow of the fluid or a more restricted flow of fluid to thetissue. By applying theforming members under just the right pressure, aslight convexity is imparted to the surface and to the tissueimmediately thereunder which is characteristic of the normal contour ofthe temples and which will reduce any swelling which might be present orprevent any swelling that might be produced by the injection of theembalming fluid. That is, by applying pressure to the area, the fluidducts beneath that area are somewhat conwhile the surrounding areas arefree to take up their normal quota. In like manner the cheek areas, thevisual areas, the mouth area and neck or thyroid area may be treated. Inaddition to reducing swelling, it may be that it is necessary to buildup an emaciated area, for example, in the cheeks or the neck, and whenthis is so the forming members applied to these parts will serve as alimiting device against which the underlying flesh may be caused toswell or plump up into contact therewith by injection of a suitablequantity of embalming fluid into that area. This is particularly true ofthe eyes where injection of an excessive amount of embalming fluid wouldcause protrusion thereof and a dearth of fluid would produce asunkeneffect. By providing molding members which will limit the protrusion ofthe eyes, the embalming fluid may be injected under sufficient pressureto bring the eye into contact with the molding surface, and when thefluid sets the eyes will remain fixed in their normal position.

When the cadaver has been treated without the use of the foregoingmethod and apparatus, which will be described hereinafter, and theembalming has been completed, as, for example, by another party, swollenor distended areas may be corrected by the application of the formingmembers and pressures of 10 to 20 pounds for approximately one hour, thetime varying, however, in accordance with the extent of distention andthe fixation of the tissue in each individual case. A maximum of twohours should suflice to correct the most severe cases.

To reduce swelling due to traumatic injury or disease wherein no attemptwas made to reduce the same during arterial injection or whereintreatment had been made but was only partially successful because theextent of distortion was so great that the correct amount of pressureapplied would have interfered with securing tissue penetration of thepreservative, the forming members should be applied directly upon theaffected area and maintained in place under pressures of as much as 25to pounds. These pressures should remain constant for from 1 to 2 hours.

In conjunction with the use of the forming members and according to thenovel method disclosed herein, the flow of the embalming fluid may alsobe controlled by dilation and constriction of the vascular system withinthe particular part or area which is being treated. For example, in thetemple area T, if it is desirable to exclude the embalming fluid or atleast to prevent excessive assimilation of fluid in that area, the areamay be cooled so as to cause capillary constriction within the area andhence to inhibit free flow in this area while maintaining thesurrounding areas at normal temperature so that there is a normal flowofembalming fluid therein. On the other hand, if it is desirable tobuild up the temple area because of undue emaciation,

heat may be applied thereto cause capillary dilation which willencourage freer flow of the embalming solution to the warmed area. Boththe heating and cooling are carried out in conjunction with the formingmembers by conducting the heat or cold through the forming membersdirectly to the underlying tissue.

In certain instances this procedure for concentrating the embalmingfluid in given areas is especially advantageous in that it may beemployed to render a given portion or area more stricted so that lessfluid can get to that area 76 rigid than other parts, thereby to preventsagazerame ging of the body after it has been finally arranged in thedesired position. For example, by applying heat to the neck thevolumetric capacity of the vascular system therein may be increased sothat a large quantity of fluid may be concentrated in the neck whichupon setting will preclude any movement of the head once it has beensuitably arranged.

The apparatus which is used for carrying out the foregoing method.includes a number of rigid forming members preferably made ofplasticized wood fiber or some synthetic resinous material which may beeasily molded to the proper form and which will not be damaged byrepeated usage. These members are made up in sets to be applied to theareas referred to above and are provided with forming surfaces which arethe converse of the average contours of normal American faces.

As illustrated, the forming member for the thyroid area, one of which isshown at I2 in Fig. 5, is comprised of a generally rectangular piece ofplastic, longitudinally concavaconvex (Fig. 6) so as to fit around oneside of the neck, as illustrated the dot and dash lines of Fig. 1, and

has a high portion i at its rear end which is adapted to lie close underthe skull bone at the back of the neck. The rear end is beveled at theinside and the forward end is is beveled at the outside so that thebordering ends diverge from the areas upon which they are placed therebyprecluding any possible mark where the mold has been applied that willcause a blemish. The cheek formin members !8, shown in Figs. 7 and 8,are somewhat egg-shaped, having a broad end 28 which occupies theforward part of the cheek and a narrow end 22 which is situated in thecrotch at the hinge of the jaw bones. The molding surface i8 is slightlyconvex so as to impart a slight concavity to the cheek. The templeforming members 2 are nearly elliptical in shape and are placed withtheir longitudinal axis nearly vertical. The members 24 also have aslightly convex moldin surface 24. The eye forming members 26 aregenerally almond shape and have a spheroidal cavity 28 therein which isthe reverse of the contour of the cornea of the eye. The bordering part28' is shaped to fit into the eye socket around the eye. The lower lipand chin forming member 28, shown in Figs. 13 and 14, is a generallyhoof-shaped, has a shallow recess 30 therein from which there projectsnearly centrally thereof a transverse protuberance or ridge 32 which isa converse of the dimple or crease between the lip and the chin, and abordering rim 34 shaped to overlie the surface of the lower lip. Theupper lip forming member 36 (Figs. and 16) is generally semi-circular,has a subjacent transverse web arranged to conform to the under portionof the upper lip, and a protuberance 40 arranged to occupy the gutterextending from the nose down to the top of the upper lip.

With the foregoin parts available, a very simple use is illustrated inFig. 2 wherein the right and left eye forming members are applied overthe eyes to hold them against excessive bulging and to insure properlocation or" the surrounding tissue. To hold the eye forming members inplace there is provided a binding member 42 (Figs. 4 and 17) which, asshown in Fig. 4, is in the form of a narrow, hollow, flexible bag 22made of rubberlike material, for example latex, the ends of which havegrommets i4 therein in which may be tied cords 45. The binding member 42is placed about the head, as shown in Fig. 2, so as to embrace the eyeforming members which are made substantially flat on their exposed sidesand to pass around the sides of the head where their ends are secured inplace by tying the ends of the cords 45 as at 52. If pressure alone isto employed when treating the eyes with the eye forming member, theelasticity of the bag may be relied upon to aiford the desired degree ofpressure or may be filled with water or some other fluid at normaltemperature through a filling opening 46 in which there is a fillingnipple provided with a closure 50. Introduction of the fluid to thebinding member distends it and causes it to apply equal pressureuniformly to both of the eye forming members. In Fig. 3 there isillustrated the simul taneous use of all of the forming members, and itis apparent that thi can conveniently be done by resting the head on asupport S, applyin the various forming members to their proper placesand binding them in place by using several of the binding members 52. Asillustrated, one binding member 42 may be secured about the neck to holdthe thyroid forming members 22 in place, another may be secured aboutthe lips and chin to hold the upper and lower lip forming members andalso the cheek forming members in place, while a third may be used tohold the eye forming and temple forming members in place.

The use of the tubular or bag-like binding member affords, in additionto the pressure, a convenient and desirable way for either heating orcooling the formin members and thus to conduct heat or cold to theunderlying tissue which in turn expands or contracts the vascular systemin the portion or area to which the members are applied. This provides ameans for controlling the flow of the embalming fluid in the portion orarea, for if the forming member is cooled to a subnormal temperature theunderlying area will be cooled, thereby causing capillary contractionand resistance to assimilation of the embalming fluid by this area;thus, when it is desirable to prevent swelling of the area, the forn'nngmember will be cooled. If, on the other hand, it is desirable to buildup an area which is seriously emaciated, the forming member may beheated so as to conduct heat to the underlying tissue to cause capillaryexpansion and thereby to permit assimilation of an excessive amount ofembalming fluid, and hence to plump up that area. It has also been foundthat this control of the flow of embalming fluid to a given portion orarea is useful in makin certain parts of the neck and face more rigid soas to resist sagging and displacement after the body has beensatisfactorily oriented which might result in an unnatural appearance.For example, a concentration of the fluid may be produced in the backpart of the neck and the jowls by warming to expand the vascular systemin these areas while maintaining the other areas to which the formingmembers are applied cool so that they resist excessive accumulation ofthe embalming fluid. This may be accomplished by placing the latex waterbag with hot water therein directly upon the neck so that the heat istransferred to the underlying tissue, thereby encouraging increasedsaturation of the tissue and greater final tissue fixation. By thusenabling the embalmer to secure greater tissue fixation the value ofbodypositioning devices which are of unquestionable value in posingstout, short-necked bodies is not lost by lack of suflicient fixation.Hence, when the body is removed from the positioning device 9. andplaced in the casket it will not undergo subsequent changes.

In addition to affording means for molding the features of the cadaverand controlling the quantity of embalming fluid delivered to specifiedareas, the forming members afford means for teaching apprentices who areengaged in learning the business of embalming by giving them an accuratereplica in converse of the average facial contour.

The molding members may also be employed together with moldable plasticmaterials when there are parts which must be built up because oftraumatic injuries and are not susceptible of sufficient swellingaccording to the foregoing practice of injecting an excessive amount ofembalming fluid into that area. For example (Fig. 18) a seriouslyemaciated cheek or a cheek which has been partially destroyed by diseaseor injury may be restored to its normal contour after the arterialinjection by properly cauterizing the area, drying it, placing on thearea or in the opening therein a moldable material m to flll it slightlyabove the desired contour, and applying the molding member to that partto cause the moldable material to take the natural contour. Since theedges of the molding members are curved outwardly away from the face,any excessive material may be squeezed out from under the moldingmembers and readily removed, and any line of demarcation quicklyeliminated by a molding tool. By firmly pressin the molding member uponth moldable material, the material itself is secured more firmly to thearea than is possible if the customary method of lightly filling thedepression is followed. Although plaster of Paris is not recommended asa filler in such cases, it too can be used and quickly and accuratelymolded by the same method as suggested in using pliable material.

Th forming members may even be used to correct improperly embalmedcadavers by applying the forming members to the embalmed body, fillingthe binding members with hot water and allowing the pieces to be held incontact with the features which are to be corrected for several hoursunder pressures of to 20 pounds. Sufficient softening will occur due tothe application of heat to permit conformation of the areas beingtreated to the formin members.

In certain instances, bodies will. have pouches formed under the eyes orupon the lips and neck. These pouchy areas offer less resistance to theentrance of the embalming solution and become partially enlarged causingwrinkle to appear. These wrinkles may be avoided if the proper forms areplaced over the areas before arterial injection is begun and a lightpressure of approximately pound is maintained during the injectionperiod. This light pressure may be secured by placing a wet towel orabsorbent cotton upon the forms.

It should be understood that the present disclosure is for the purposeof illustration only and that this invention includes all modificationsand equivalents which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In the art of embalming a cadaver, the method of preventing excessassimilation of arterially injected embalming fluid by a specificportion only of the cadaver which comprises as steps, applying pressureby means of a rigid contouring mold to that portion only of the cadaverwhich is to be protected from excess assimilation of em- 10 balmingfluid thereby to constrict the vascular system in that portion whileleavin adjacent portions unconstricted, and maintaining the pressureduring injection of the fluid and setting thereof.

2. In the art of embalming a cadaver, a method for preventingaccumulation of a superfluous quantity of embalming fluid in specificportions of the body, which through disease, have an abnormally lowresistance to permeation, said method comprising applying pressurelocally, by means of a rigid part, having a contact surface which is theconverse of the normal shape of said part, to the afflicted portion torestrict the flow of fluid through the vascular system in that portionwhile leaving the adjacent areas uncompressed so that the vascularsystem thereabout will have its normal capacity, and while maintaininsaid pressure injecting the embalming fluid and allowing it to set.

3. In the art of embalming a cadaver, a method for controlling the localassimilation of arterially injected embalming fluid by a selectedportion of the cadaver, comprising modifying the volumetric capacity ofthe vascular system in said portion only by varying the temperature insaid portion only while leaving the remainder of the body at normaltemperature, and while maintaining said modified temperature conditionin said selected portion injecting the embalming fluid and allowing itto set.

4.. In the art of embalming a cadaver, a method for restoring anemaciated portion to its normal condition comprising applying pressureto the area surrounding the emaciated area, providing a contouringsurface which is the converse of the normal condition of the part,injecting embalming fluid under pressure to cause an accumulation offluid in the tissue of the emaciated part of sufficient quantity toplump the area and bring it into surface contact with the contouringsurface, and maintaining the contouring member in place while the fluidsets.

5. A method for treating a cadaver during injection and setting of theembalming fluid comprising applying a rigid contouring member having anunchangeable surface contour, to a selected area of the body, bindingthe contouring member in place to the body, injecting the body with thefluid, and leaving the contouring member in place until the fluid sets,and then remov-I ing the contouring member.

6. A method for preventing local distention in a particular part of 'acadaver during injection of the embalming fluid comprising applying arigid mold member, having an unchangeable surface contour, to said partprior to injection of the embalming fluid, binding the mold member tosaid part, injecting the body with fluid, and leaving the mold member inplace until the fluid has set and then removing the mold member.

7. A method for reducing local distention that is present in aparticular part of a cadaver prior to the embalming comprising applyinga rigid mold member, having an unchangeable surface contour, to saiddistended part, binding the mold member in place under sufficientpressure to reduce the distended part to its normal contour, in-

jecting the embalming fluid and leaving the mold member in place untilthe fluid sets, and there after removing the mold member. 8. A methodfor changing the contour of a portion of a cadaver comprising applying arigid mold member having the desired contour to said.

11' portion, binding the member in place, injecting the embalming fluidand leaving the member in place until the fluid sets, and'thereafterremoving said member.

9. A method for restoring a shrunken portion of a cadaver to a lifelikecontour comprising applying a rigid contouring member having a surfacecontour of the desired shape, binding it in place over the shrunkenpart, injecting the embalming fluid in sufficient quantity to inflatesaid shrunken portion into contact with the rigid. contouring member andleaving the part in place until the fluid sets, and thereafter removingsaid member.

10. A method for controlling the quantity of embalming fluid which willbe taken up by a given area of a cadaver, comprising applying a memberhaving a surface contour corresponding substantially to the part of thebody in which control is to be had, binding the member in place underpressure, injecting the fluid and leaving the member in place until thefluid has set, whereupon the part maybe removed.

11. In the art of embalming a cadaver, a method for controlling theassimilation of arterially injecting embalming fluid by a cadavercomprising dilating the vascular system in portions thereof where anaccumulation of fluid is desired and contracting it in areas where adearth of fluid is desired, injecting the embalming fluid underpressure, and maintaining the dilated and contracted areas while the:fluid sets.

12. In the art of embalming a cadaver, a method for controlling theassimilation of ar-- terially injected embalming fluid by a cadavercomprising constricting the vascular system in selected portionswherein'a dearth of fluid is desired without disturbing the normalcondition of the remainder of the body,.injecting'the embalming fluidunder pressure, and. maintaining the constricted area while the fluidsets.

13. In the art of embalming a cadaver, a method of controlling theassimilation of the arterially injected embalming fluid by a selectedportion only of the body which comprises as steps, applying heat locallyto said selected portion thereby a dilate the vascular system of saidportion while keeping the remainder of the body at normal temperatureand keeping said selected portiononly at an elevated temperature whileinjecting the body as a Whole with the fluid, whereby said selectedportion receives more of the fluid than it would were it at the sametemperature as the remainder of the body.

14. In the art of embalming a cadaver, a method of controlling theassimilation of the arterially injected embalming fluid by a selectedportion only of the body which comprises as steps, applying cold locallyto said selected portion thereby to contract thevascular system of saidportion while maintaining the remainder of the body at normaltemperature and keeping said selected portion only at sub-normaltemperature while injecting the body as a whole with the fluid, wherebysaid selected'portion receives less of the fluid than it would wereit ofthe same temperature as the remainder of the body.

15. In the art of embalming a cadaver, a meth- 0d of controlling theassimilation of: the arterially injected embalming fluid comprisingapplying a pressure in the form of a molding member to that portion ofthe body from which an excess of fluid. is to be excluded, conductingcold to the area under pressure to. cause capillary constriction in theunderlying tissue thereby further to exclude 12 the fluid, injectingfluid .arterially under pressure and maintaining the pressure and coldwhile the fluid sets.

16. In the art of embalming a cadaver, a method'of controlling theassimilation of the arterially injected embalming fluid comprisingplacing a forming member on the part of the body from which an excess offluid is to be excluded, cooling said member to cause capillaryconstriction in the underlying tissue, and while maintaining the memberin place and at a subnormal temperature injecting the embalming fluidand allowing it to set.

17. In the art of embalming a cadaver, a method of controlling theassimilation of the arterially injected embalming fluid comprisingplacing a forming member on the part of the body which is to be treated,heating the member to cause capillary expansion, and while maintainingthe member in place and at an elevated temperature injecting the fluidinto the body in sufficient quantity to cause the underlying tissue toexpand into contact therewith and then allowing the fluid to set.

18. In the art of embalming a cadaver, a method of building up a sunkenarea comprising placing a forming member on the area the surface ofwhich is the converse of the desired ultimate shape of the siulken areaand has a bordering reversely curved surface which merges with theforming area nondeflnitively, with the bordering area in firm contactwith the body, conducting heat to the member to cause capillaryexpansion of the underlying tissue, and while holding the member inplace and maintaining an elevated temperature, injecting the embalmingfluid under pressure in suiucient quantity to cause the underlyingtissue within the border of the forming member to swell. into contactwith the surface thereof and then allowing the embalming fluid to set.

19. A device for use in embalming comprising a rigid member applicableto a cadaver, said. member having a surface contour the converse ofwhich represents substantially the normal lifelike contour of said part,said surfacearea merging nondefinitively with a bordering surface ofreverse curvature, an inflatable member adapted to be placed about thecadaver inthe vicinity of the member to embrace and hold the member inplace, and means releasably securing the ends of the inflatable membertogether.

20. A device for use in embalming comprising a rigid member applicableto a selected part only of the cadaver, wherein a difierent volume offluid in the vascular system at that part is desired than would normallyexist therein without disturbing the normal condition of the remainderof the body, said member having a surface contour the converse of whichrepresents the normal lifelike contour of said part, said surface areamerging nondefinitively with a bordering surface of reverse curvature, aband adapted to be placed about the cadaver in the vicinity of themember and to hold the member in place, said band having a cavitytherein adapted to receive a heating medium, and means for releasablysecuring said band to the cadaver.

21. A device for use in embalming comprising a rigidmember applicable toa cadaver, said member having a surface contour the converse of whichrepresents substantially the normal lifelike contour of said part, saidsurface area merging nondeflnitively with a bordering surface of Ireversekind, ahollow band adapted to :be' placed T 13 about the cadaverin the vicinity of the member and to hold the member in place, said bandhaving a charging opening therein into which a fluid having a given heatcontent may be injected, and means for releasably securing said band tothe cadaver.

22. Apparatus for use in embalming comprising a plurality of rigidforming members, each of said members having a surface contour theconverse of which represents substantially the normal lifelike contourof a, given part of the cadaver, a binding member adapted to be placedabout the cadaver to hold said members in their respective places, saidbinding member having flexible walls and a charging opening throughwhich a fluid may be introduced to the interior thereof to inflate thesame and to conduct heat to the underlying forming members while held incontact with the cadaver.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date Iddings Nov. 6, 1860 Raus Mar. 1, 1898 Dolge Oct. 1, 1901Barnes Oct. 14, 1919 Purcell Oct. 5, 1920 Sheffield June 8, 1926 JonesSept. 3, 1935 Harris Nov. 23, 1937 De Laney Apr. 22, 1941 OTHERREFERENCES Embalming Fluids by S. Mendelsohn, published 1940 by ChemicalPublishing 00., Inc, New York, New York (page 1-10).

